CoTU's Republic Day Message Sparks a Bold Call for National Introspection on Democracy

On the momentous occasion of India's 76th Republic Day, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) extends heartfelt greetings to the people of this great nation.

Ng. Lun Kipgen, the spokesperson for CoTU, delivered a compelling and impassioned message during a press conference marking this historic day. Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, Kipgen called for a renewed commitment to the ideals of democracy, unity, and justice that underpin the nation’s Constitution.

Kipgen celebrated Republic Day as a moment to honor India's liberation from colonial subjugation, describing it as a "rebirth of our nation from colonial tyranny." He highlighted that this historic day also serves as a reminder of the celebration of India’s pluralistic society.

He emphasized that, for the Kuki-Zo community across the globe, this day symbolizes the enduring ideals enshrined in the Constitution. It stands as a testament to the unity and diversity of the nation, transcending religious affiliations, social status, caste, creed, and political aspirations.

“We have once again affirmed the guiding principles of our constitutional democracy, which have been the cornerstone of our nation's progress,” Kipgen said. “However, this progress is best exemplified when our democracy remains untouched by nepotism, governance is free from autocratic tendencies, and leaders uphold accountability and responsiveness to the people.”

“It is only by preserving the tenets of our Constitution from political influences that we can commit ourselves to the principles envisioned by our forefathers,” he asserted.

Kipgen added, “Every citizen, regardless of caste, creed, or affiliation, has cemented our democracy. Yet, we must question whether the foundational principles of our Constitution are truly being upheld.”

Highlighting the plight of the Kuki-Zo community, Kipgen stated that, over the past 21 months, they have endured relentless religious and ethnic persecution in the erstwhile state of Manipur. Despite these challenges, he affirmed, their allegiance to the nation remains unwavering.

Kipgen posed hard-hitting questions to the nation:

“Is taking an oath to armed militias by elected leaders an act of patriotism?”

“Is having a Chief Minister for a particular community being Indian?”

“Is burning the Tricolor being Indian?”

“Is despising the Indian Army being Indian?”

“Is attacking the Army being Indian?”

“Is banning Hindi songs and movies being Indian?”

“Is boycotting Republic Day and Independence Day being Indian?”

“Is clamoring for the abrogation of the ‘Merger Agreement’ between the Union Government and the princely state of Kangleipak being Indian?”

“These pointed questions,” Kipgen asserted, “demand serious introspection from both the government and society at large.”

Kipgen urged mainstream media to prioritize ground realities over curated narratives, calling for a reinvigorated flow of unbiased information. He reiterated CoTU's demand for a governance framework under Article 239A of the Constitution, describing it as a "prerequisite for peace and justice in the region."

“The Kuki-Zo community has endured immense suffering, yet our allegiance to India remains unshaken,” Kipgen declared. “We don’t need to prove our patriotism. What we need is justice and the recognition of our constitutional rights.”

Kipgen’s address carried a broader appeal to uphold democratic ideals free from nepotism and autocratic tendencies. “Only when leaders are accountable and governance remains just can India truly embody the principles envisioned by our forefathers,” he said.

As the nation celebrates its 76th Republic Day, Kipgen’s message stands as a clarion call for introspection, accountability, and unity.

“Jai Hind! Long Live the Republic!” Kipgen concluded, reaffirming CoTU's unwavering commitment to the nation.